French Baguettes Easy Baguette Recipe Baking Mad from www.bakingmad.com
Introduction
Baguettes are a classic French bread that is known for its crispy crust and soft interior. It is a versatile bread that can be used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter or jam. Making baguettes at home may seem daunting, but with this simple recipe, you can have fresh, warm baguettes in no time.
Ingredients
To make homemade baguettes, you will need the following ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 cups warm water
Instructions
Follow these steps to make delicious homemade baguettes:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt together.
Add the warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
Shape each piece into a long baguette and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Cut diagonal slashes across the top of each baguette with a sharp knife.
Bake the baguettes for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Nutrition
Here's the nutritional information for one serving of homemade baguette (1/3 of a baguette):
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 490mg
Total Carbohydrate: 46g
Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g
Tips for Making Perfect Baguettes
Making baguettes at home can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you can achieve perfect baguettes every time:
Use High-Quality Flour
The quality of the flour you use can make a big difference in the texture and flavor of your baguettes. Use high-quality all-purpose flour or bread flour for the best results.
Don't Overwork the Dough
When kneading the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can result in tough, dense baguettes. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, but stop when it is ready.
Let the Dough Rise Properly
Proper rising is essential for achieving light and fluffy baguettes. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.
Score the Dough
Scoring the dough before baking allows the bread to expand properly and gives it that classic baguette shape. Use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make diagonal slashes across the top of the dough.
Bake at High Temperature
Baking at a high temperature of 425°F is essential for achieving a crispy crust. Make sure to preheat your oven properly and bake the baguettes for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
